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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

by Mark Twain

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Student Question

What are some examples of ethos in Huckleberry Finn?

Quick answer:

Examples of ethos in Huckleberry Finn include Huck's evolving belief system regarding slavery. Initially, he sees black people as slaves, reflecting societal norms, but through his friendship with Jim, he recognizes Jim's humanity and right to freedom. Another instance is Huck's moral judgment against the King and Duke's schemes, as he defends the Wilkses due to their integrity, contrasting them with the deceitful con artists.

Expert Answers

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Ethos is the basic belief system characteristic of a group or individual.  Knowing this, some of the most basic examples of ethos are those involving slavery. Huck, for instance, grew up believing that black people were slaves.  There was no other explanation.  However, Jim and others, wanted to be free since they were people.  Whites in the south didn't recognize them as anything more than property...like the livestock they owned.  This book helps Huck to realize that Jim is a living, breathing, feeling, thinking individual, and he comes to believe that Jim--not just a black slave, but now his friend--deserves to be free.

Another example is the basic knowledge of right and wrong.  Huck does not allow the King and Duke to swindle the Wilkses because he knows the members of the family are good and righteous people whereas the King and the Duke are con artists.

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